Our region of British Columbia isn't called the Okanagan Valley for no reason. Much as the heart of many of its towns and communities are situated on lower grounds, so too is the whole area flanked by a bevy of majestic hills and mountains, some of which are more accessible to the general public than others. Earlier this spring you may recall when Tony and I did our best impression of a big horned sheep to reach Shaka Bluffs, well recently we decided to take in the view from another stunning vantage point, this time in the neighbouring city of Kelowna.

Knox Mountain, named after Arthur Booth Knox, a rancher in the area during the city's early days (of the late Victorian era), overlooks Okanagan Lake and is - I'm very happy to report - easy to reach (it too involves a narrow, curvy road, but at least this one is designed to let two average sized cars drive past each other at the same time). Despite having lived in the Okanagan for much of my life and having gone past the base of the mountain many times before, I'd never ventured up its winding path, so I was delighted when Tony and I got a chance to do just that not too long ago.

Unless you're a brand new reader (if you are, a warm hello!), you've likely seen my beloved eyeglasses many times before, however you've not - before today, that is - seen my sunnies. Between being nearsighted and the fact that I find very few types of frames look good on me, at present I only own one pair of prescription sunglasses (I'd certainly love to expand my collection over time though), which I bought back in 2009, and these plastic tortoise shell babies are it.

They're DKNY, not vintage, but I think they do a pretty good job of looking the 1950s (and early 60s) part, and I'm really happy to have them as we head into another blazingly sunny summer here.

The Saturday on which we took these snaps started out quite a bit brighter, which is why both sunglasses and a wide brimmed vintage straw hat were in order. As the day progressed however, the skies turned grey, there was tons of wind (it was all I could do to keep my hat from tumbling down the mountain side!), and we even got rained on as we headed home later in the afternoon (that said though, the light was still quite harsh, which is why I'm squinting up a storm in the shoots where I don't have my sunglasses on).

Again though, when it kicked off, it was teaming with bright sunlight and decently warm, but not quite to the point where I was willing to forgo a cardigan. Much as I'm smitten with the colour green this year (as you may recall from posts such as this and this), as spring turns to summer, I'm finding myself pulled more and more towards yellow as well.

Yellow is a tricky colour for me to wear, in fact, I'd say it ties with orange as the trickiest, however (in both cases, actually) if I stick with the lightest and darkest ends of the spectrum, I tend to have better luck, and so I was thrilled when I found this classic (circa 1980s) Brooks Brothers pale yellow button front shirt on etsy recently (as an interesting side note, the seller recognized me by name from my blog and we've been chatting about vintage and various other topics there ever since - I love it when things like that happen!).

It's one of only a very small handful of yellow garments presently in my wardrobe, but I adore it so much that it's inspired me to keep looking for more soft and dark hued citrus inspired pieces to add to my closet as the year progresses (and beyond).

You may remember these denim capri pants from last summer (where they appeared in posts such as this), as they are really and truly one of my warm weather go-to pieces, and the perfect kind of thing to wear when trekking up a hill - or, in this case, driving to the gorgeous lookout point on one.

This hat is one of a matching pair that I bought on eBay towards the end of this past winter. It's mate looks identical, save for the fact that instead of having a black band of cotton fabric running the crown (which extends down further, in this case I wrapped it around a low bun on the back of my head), it has a dusty cream hued one. Between the two colours, I have a great mid-century straw hat to pair with nearly any casual or even semi-formal summer ensemble (and the two fill a gap in my warm weather hat wardrobe that I'd been trying to plug for ages!).

Last September, in a post called How Many Personalities Does Your Wardrobe Have? I talked about some of the many different styles that influence the way I dress, one of which has always been the classic preppy aesthetic. It's not a vibe you may detect in too many of my ensembles, but it's one I love and which I think shines through nicely in this particular outfit (the fact that shirt is Brooks Brothers certainly doesn't hurt in that regard!).

I so adore that there are numerous corners of the Okanagan Valley that I'd not explored before (and really hope I never run out of such locations entirely). Getting a chance to visit each one is a serious thrill for me, especially because traveling long distances (or even more than a couple of hours away) is rarely in the cards.

We get to enjoy new sights, learn more about local history, and often take outfit snaps - a trio that's as great as the view from Knox Mountain, if you ask me.

Thank you very much, dear Rachel - I didn't set out with Audrey in mind, but saw it the moment I caught a glimpse of the finished outfit in the mirror. Love that! (I don't channel her fashion sense all that often, but as I adore it.)

♥ Jessica

*PS* Many sweet thanks as well for each and every one of your terrific blog comments. I sincerely appreciate and enjoy reading each of them. ♥

I just realized something and it highlights how our perceptions of the world all differ. Your outfits, like this one, click with me. But, for you, it's a real outfit you wear in the real world. For you, it's attainable. For me, this outfit is a dream: an ethereal dream of what the perfect life would be like. As a dream, it is unattainable. I know that and accept its fact. When you evoke the femininity of this period -- which I saw first-hand as a little boy looking at adult women -- you remind me of the profound longings I had at that time. And my later realization that this life will forever be beyond my grasp.

Sorry to talk so much about myself on your blog but your pictures create a strong reaction in my heart and mind.

Oh, I love, love, love this outfit!! You look positively tremendous, and that back drop is to die for. I saw these photos and instantly thought "vintage postcard". You could market them along with your "Jessica" paper dolls we were talking about a while back. Maybe a "Where in the world is Jessica Cangiano?" series!

What a fabulously fun idea! I grew up watching Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego as a youngster in the 90s, so it would only be fitting to do a series (or some postcards) inspired by her. You always have such cool ideas, dear Denise, thank you!

Jessica, love the yellow and black on you, you look very sharp! and that hat is to die for! This outfit is very much a vintage 50's casual look. I agree with the comment above, very Audrey! I remember seeing my mom in an outfit like this, pedal pushers and all. Thanks so much for providing a link to my shop, you are a dear!I look forward to all your posts, keep em coming!

Hi sweet Ronda, you're very welcome. I always strive to link to the etsy shops I buy from in my outfit posts, and couldn't share about yours (and this endlessly classic shirt) quickly enough. Thank you in turn for stocking it (and the other item I picked up from you, which I'm keeping hush-hush until I reveal it in an outfit post of its own,) and for your wonderfully nice comment here, my friend.

you look lovely as always! I have to say I am super impressed by how you keep your vintage finds in dark colors pet hair free. As a fallow pet mom (though I have five dogs and 3 cats) so more fur then in your house I have such a problem with pet hair. I have to be very careful with my navy jumper from jitterbuggin for instance, I cant wear it in the car as it will get all haired up from the hair thats in their from the pets riding. I carry lint brushes everywhere but the hair tops all. Of course its totally worth it because my pets are the best thing in the world, better then any outfit for sure

That is such a beautiful area! I love the look. The first thing I thought of was "Roman Holiday" Just so very chic and 50s and Audrey Hepburn! Putting this on my list of top fave outfits of yours. I love it-you outdid yourself this time! xox

Oh such a cute outfit! You have a way of making modern things seem vintage. The angles on the sleeves are just lovely. I would certainly say this hue of yellow is your color. How fabulous is your straw hat! Love it! I just recently bought a similar hat that I think is from the 30's. It has a cross weave texture but has a dome shape like yours. We can be twins:) Also, how special to be able to take your photographs against such a beautiful backdrop. So nice to see you out and about again:) I also can see more strength in your spirit in the photographs. Just lovely!

Ooooh, your new hat sounds fabulous! This is one of the two I was talking about on Instagram/Facebook earlier this month (that has a mate with a cream cotton tie instead), and it (both of them) fills such a gap in my summer hat wardrobe. We can definitely be hat twins - love that idea.

Thank you very much! I really believe in the power and importance of classic garments in a vintage wardrobe, and that certain modern (by which I mean 1980s to the present day) items can be used to create a very period appropriate look.

You are lucky to live in such a beautiful area. Where I am in England is on the edges of the flattest part of the country. I love it but some people who move from hillier areas find it difficult to adjust! Your outfit is very classy. I agree this soft shade of yellow is actually very flattering. A difficult colour for most people to pull off, you have definitely done it.

Thank you very much, sweet Philippa. I didn't currently have any garments in this pale shade of yellow in my wardrobe before I bought this shirt (and hadn't in years), so it was a bit of a gamble to order if online (without being able to try it on first, I mean), but thankfully it was one with a happy ending. :)

Having grown up in B.C. (no matter where I lived, there were Mountains fairly nearby), I actually feel quite out of place in a way if I spend much time somewhere without mountains. I've lived in places as diverse as Calgary, Alberta; Dublin, Ireland; and Toronto, all of which have little to no mountains, and I thoroughly missed them while I was there. I feel sheltered and protected in a way by the tall peaks of British Columbia, and hope that I get to spend the rest of my days living here surrounded by so many trees, hills and great views.

Thank you very much, honey! Ooohh, me, too, they are the bee's knees during the roasty-toasty months! I recently bought another pair this past winter (but I'm keeping the details hush-hush, as I want to unveil them in a post of their own), that I'm looking forward to rotating with my denim ones all season long.

So loovely Jessica! It's hard to take in that gorgeous view of the spectacular Canadian landscape when you look so beautiful! I love your hat so much, it's such a beautiful shape and looks perfect with this outfit! Your demin capris are so wonderful too, such a nice flattering fit :D

I too love that classy and simplicity you get from a great preppy look. And it usually has a neat vintage inspired feel to it since all of the lines and cuts are from classic looks. I too love yellow and you look wonderful in it!

Thank you, dear gal! Excellent point - I really think that is a huge part of why I've always been drawn to the preppy look. It embodies so many classic pieces that have a vintage vibe to them by virtue of the fact that they've been around for decades now.

*Blush* Thank you very much, dear Mary - that is one seriously awesome compliment indeed.

True, true, my brooch collection seems to grow nearly every month, and picking one (or occasionally more) of them to partner with my vintage outfits has really become one of my favourite parts of getting dressed in the past couple of years. I don't wear a brooch everyday, but they do tend to make an appearance more often than not. One of these days I need to devote a post or two just to my brooches. :)

I agree so wholeheartedly with the previous comment that you look like something out of an Agatha Christie book - my own thought is that you look like a 1950's movie star trying to go incognito, ala Jeanne Tripplehorn in the film Relative Values (a favourite of mine!) That hat is incredible!

Oooh, thank you very much, honey - I so adored Agatha Christie's classic tales as a youngster (and still do), so the fact that you both see one of her characters (I hope one of the good guys! :)) in me here, is especially touching.

Normally I don't wear jeans or capris, but your photos have inspired me to try them with a cardi, shirt and pearls! Agree with previous poster that you look like a 50s star trying to go incognito. Once again, great job of styling!

Hi sweet gal, thank you very much for your lovely comment. No, it's my same trusty wig, but I can totally see what you mean. I think it looks a little different because I'd tied the hair up in a low bun in the back and the hat was pushing down on it from above, which made the bangs fall just a touch further down my forehead (plus the wind was blowing them every which way).

oooh that hat! i totally love it! so elegant! i really love to see with what perfection you put your outfits together and always look flawless! and you look great in yellow!i hope you have a wonderful week!kiss,maryhttp://www.maryloucinnamon.com

Hey lady, is there anything that doesn't become you?! ;) You always look so nice and lovely. The sunglasses are perfect too. Four years ago I also bought an expensive pair of Ralph Lauren sunnies, named Vintage, ha! But I knew they were worth it, because I will love them forever. In fact my favourite chequered pair is thirty years old now and I still love them. Bonus info: I have family in Kelowna. My grandmother's sister and husband moved to Kelowna as newly weds and their daughter is still alive. She speaks and writes Danish which I think is amazing.

What a beauty you are and your style brings warm smiles, Jessica. For a life long fine artist who grew up in the 1950s-60s the pictures you have shared brings back such memories and exquisite emotions. I love the style & beauty and intend to allow this inspiration in a painting soon! Thank You!

I'm Jessica, a lifelong lover of all things antique and vintage, especially those from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

This blog is my visual scrapbook in which I record and share my thoughts on the multitude of sources, people and products that inspire and feed a modern gal's addiction to the past. I also post about the vintage clothes, hairstyles and make-up looks that I adore wearing.

Stay a spell and have a blast as we explore the incomparably fantastic world of vintage history and fashion together.

All images used on this site are credited to their original posters/creators/sources,
however if at any time you would prefer not to see one of your images here, please email me and I'll take it down right away.

PS...I just wanted to say thank you very much for visiting and to tell you that you're equal parts awesome and beautiful.